Portable storage bag systems

ABSTRACT

A portable storage bag comprising a specially designed receptacle bag assembly configured specifically to be removably secured to the underside of stadium style seating; the device providing storage for personal goods which can be neatly stored and easily accessed. The portable storage bag system comprising: a receptacle bag assembly having a first receptacle, a second receptacle, two adjustable securing bands with adjustable strap fasteners; and flexible beverage container holders. The first receptacle is removable from the second receptacle in certain embodiments. Additionally, the storage bag assembly comprises a bifurcated totebag made of reinforced canvas material. The adjustable securing bands comprise hook and loop fasteners and are removably attachable about the chair seat to secure the receptacle bag assembly to the chair seat.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/445,966, filed Feb. 23, 2011 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of bags and more specifically relates to storage bags, storage bags configured specifically to be easily installed on and removed from public seating.

2. Description of the Related Art

Public transportation is a convenient and environmentally-friendly means whereby individuals may be transported between locations. Many individuals use such transportation means to go to work, to travel to and from the grocery store, and to go to other various locations and activities. Individuals often have items that they may carry between these locations. Bags may be used by these individuals to conveniently carry such various items. For example, when carrying books, book bags, satchels, or backpacks may be used to carry books and sometimes other supplies such as notebooks, ring binders, and file folders. Typically, backpacks, hand-carried briefcases, bags with drawstring closures that can be hand-carried or worn over one shoulder, often do not render the items stored within easily accessible. This may be inconvenient.

Another example of an item that may need to be carried is groceries. Many times there is insufficient room to carry these items in a bag or otherwise in any location other than below the seat. Storing these bags under the seat may lead to dirty bags and dropped/spilled items using the present bag embodiments. Storage bags may also be inconvenient to store in stadium-style seating such as at theatres and sporting events because they may shift in relation to the seat. It is desirable that a efficient and effective storage bag be offered to the public.

Various attempts have been made to solve problems found in the bag art. Among these are found in: U.S. Pat. No. 7,318,616 to Owen Bradley; U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,143 to A. Pascal Mahvi et al; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,589 to Arthur R. Carey. This prior art is representative of portable storage bags.

None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. Thus, a need exists for a reliable portable storage bag to provide convenience for individuals carrying items using public seating and to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known carrying bag art, the present invention provides a novel portable storage bag system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a specially designed storage bag configured specifically to be easily installed on and removed from public seating.

A portable storage bag system is disclosed herein, a preferred embodiment comprising: a receptacle bag assembly having a first receptacle, a second receptacle, two adjustable securing bands with adjustable strap fasteners; and flexible beverage container holders. The first receptacle may be removable from the second receptacle. Additionally, the storage bag assembly comprises a bifurcated totebag of reinforced canvas material. The receptacle bag assembly provides a storer for storing at least one item under a chair seat (public or otherwise.) The adjustable securing bands may comprise hook and loop fasteners and are removably attachable about the chair seat to secure the receptacle bag assembly to the chair seat.

The first receptacle includes a first outer wall, a first inner wall, a first right sidewall, a first left sidewall, a first bottom wall, and a first inner volume. The first inner volume of the first receptacle is defined by the first outer wall, the first inner wall, the first right sidewall, the first left sidewall, and the first bottom wall. The first inner wall is rotatable to the second inner wall via an axis located along a shared edge. The first receptacle may comprise a zipper to prevent item(s) from falling out of the first receptacle when the first receptacle is positioned adjacent the chair seat (substantially parallel with a floor surface.) The chair seat may be a public transportation seat, those used in movie theatres or the like. Also the first receptacle may include a lip located just before the zipper on the first receptacle also to deter the item(s) from falling out of the first receptacle.

The second receptacle includes a second outer wall, a second inner wall, a second right sidewall, a second left sidewall, a second bottom wall; and a second inner volume. (The second receptacle components are referred to as ‘second’ as versus ‘first’ such that they may be differentiated from the first receptacle.) The first receptacle and the second receptacle of the receptacle bag assembly, when arranged perpendicularly such that the first outer wall of the first receptacle and a bottom of the chair seat are located adjacent and the second bottom wall of the second receptacle is located adjacent the floor surface, provide that the second receptacle is a vertical holder and the first receptacle is a horizontal holder. In this way various items can be stored for strategic access for example a beverage container may be stored in the vertical holder and books in the horizontal holder.

A kit is also described herein including a cushion-plate; and a receptacle bag assembly, wherein the cushion-plate is securable in place over the chair seat to provide additional comfort to a user when seated.

A method of using a portable storage bag system is disclosed herein preferably comprising the steps of: removably-installing a receptacle bag assembly to a chair seat, wherein the chair seat is publicly used; arranging a first receptacle and a second receptacle in a preferred orientation for storing at least one object remote from a floor surface; inserting at least one object; and storing the at least one object such that it is able to be accessed during a seated period. The method may further comprise the step of removing the receptacle bag assembly from the chair seat and using the receptacle bag assembly to transport the at least one object to another location.

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a portable storage bag system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, portable storage bag, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a portable storage bag system (receptacle bag assembly) in an in-use condition as vertically-coupled to a chair seat according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the receptacle bag assembly in an in-use condition as horizontally-coupled to a chair seat in a stacked horizontal compartment assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view illustrating the receptacle bag assembly in an uncoupled condition for use in the capacity of a bifurcated totebag (turned on its side as horizontally-stacked) according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the receptacle bag assembly when perpendicularly arranged to provide a vertical holder and a horizontal holder with a cushion-plate coupled to the chair seat according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for a portable storage bag system according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a storage device and more particularly to a portable storage bag system as used to improve the convenience of storing and carrying items to and from public events.

Now referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in FIG. 1, a perspective view illustrating portable storage bag system 100 (receptacle bag assembly 102) in ‘in-use’ condition 106 as vertically-coupled to chair seat 190 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Portable storage bag system 100 enables user 180 attending a public event to store personal items in an efficient manner. Generally speaking, the present invention, portable storage bag system 100 comprises a specially designed storage unit configured specifically to be vertically-coupled to chair seat 190 thereby providing an ample receptacle inside of which jackets, sweaters, purses and other personal goods can be neatly stored and easily accessed as shown in in-use condition 106.

Portable storage bag system 100 preferably comprises: receptacle bag assembly 102 having first receptacle 110, second receptacle 130, and at least one adjustable securing band 150. First receptacle 110 preferably includes first outer wall 112, first inner wall 114, first right sidewall 116; first left sidewall 118, first bottom wall 120; and first inner volume 122, as shown best in FIG. 3. Second receptacle 130 preferably includes second outer wall 132, second inner wall 134, second right sidewall 136, second left sidewall 138, second bottom wall 140, and second inner volume 142 also shown best in FIG. 3. Adjustable securing band 150 is preferably removably attachable about chair seat 190 to secure receptacle bag assembly 102 to chair seat 190.

First inner volume 122 of first receptacle 110 is defined by first outer wall 112; first inner wall 114; first right sidewall 116; first left sidewall 118; and first bottom wall 120. Second inner volume 142 of second receptacle 130 is defined by second outer wall 132; second inner wall 134; second right sidewall 136; second left sidewall 138; and second bottom wall 140. First inner wall 114 is preferably rotatable to second inner wall 134 via an axis located along a shared edge. Additionally, receptacle bag assembly 102 may be comprised of an ample square or rectangular-shaped first receptacle 110 and second receptacle 130.

Receptacle bag assembly 102 preferably provides a storer for storing at least one item under chair seat 190. Chair seat 130 comprises a public transportation seat as shown. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other chair seat arrangements such as, for example, bus seats, a train seat, a movie theater seat, a stadium seat, etc., may be sufficient.

Receptacle bag assembly 102 preferably comprises reinforced canvas material. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other material arrangements such as, for example, rubber, cloth, or flexible plastic, etc., may be sufficient.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view illustrating receptacle bag assembly 102 such that it may be coupled to chair seat 190 in stacked horizontal compartment assembly 210 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

Receptacle bag assembly 102 may comprise zipper 220 located on first receptacle 110 to prevent item(s) such as a purse, jacket, souvenirs or other goods from falling or rolling out of first receptacle 110 when first receptacle 110 is positioned adjacent chair seat 190 substantially parallel with a floor surface. Lip 230 located just before zipper 220 on first receptacle 110 may also serve to prevent the item(s) from falling and/or rolling out of first receptacle 110. These features are useful for example when a bus comes to a stop, allowing the items to stay inside the present invention, rather than falling out and contacting and/or rolling around on the dirty floor.

First receptacle 110 and second receptacle 130 of receptacle bag assembly 102 when arranged such that first inner wall 114 and second inner wall 142 are adjacent comprise stacked horizontal compartment assembly 210, as shown. First inner wall 114 and second inner wall 142 in combination may comprise horizontal shelf 310 as also shown in FIG. 3.

Referring now to FIG. 3, another perspective view illustrating receptacle bag assembly 102 in an uncoupled condition for use in the capacity of bifurcated totebag 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1 and 2.

In preferred embodiments, receptacle bag assembly 102 comprises bifurcated totebag 300, bifurcation provided via first inner wall 114 and second inner wall 134. Receptacle bag assembly 102 is shown orientated horizontally; however it should be appreciated that bifurcated totebag 300 is meant to be transported (carried) vertically. First receptacle 110 is preferably removable from second receptacle 130 (not shown). In alternate embodiments (not shown) receptacle bag assembly 102 may comprise a backpack. Second receptacle 130 is detachable from first receptacle 110 via hook and loop fasteners preferably positioned at a top region of secondary compartment 130 and again at second bottom wall 140 (not shown). Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other receptable bag assembly arrangements such as, for satchels, hobos, etc., may be sufficient.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a perspective view illustrating receptacle bag assembly 102 when perpendicularly arranged 420 to provide vertical holder 400 and horizontal holder 410 with cushion-plate 430 coupled to chair seat 190 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

First receptacle 110 and second receptacle 130 of receptacle bag assembly 102 (when perpendicularly arranged 420 such that first outer wall 112 of first receptacle 110 and bottom 194 of chair seat 190 are preferably located adjacent and second bottom wall 140 of second receptacle 130) is located adjacent a floor surface providing that second receptacle 130 is vertical holder 400 and first receptacle 110 is horizontal holder 410. In this way the present invention may be used to store a variety of items in a convenient positioning.

Receptacle bag assembly 102 preferably comprises two adjustable securing band(s) 150; however more or less adjustable securing band(s) 150 may be used. Adjustable securing band(s) 150 preferably comprise hook and loop fasteners. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other fastener means such as, for example, snaps, buttons, clasps, etc., may be sufficient.

Each of adjustable securing band(s) 150 preferably have adjustable strap fastener(s) 154. Adjustable strap fastener(s) 154 may run a length of either end of receptacle bag assembly 102. Strap fastener(s) 154 may each feature a specially designed adjustment mechanism for use in tightening strap fastener(s) 154 over chair seat 190, as well as releasing strap fastener(s) 154 following use, thereby making receptacle bag assembly 102 conveniently removably couplable.

When second receptacle 130 is detached from first receptacle 110, secondary receptacle 130 may hang via adjustable securing band(s) 150 located on first receptacle 110. This detachment of second receptacle 130 from first receptacle 110 preferably permits for use of vertical holder 400. Second receptacle 130 includes storage pockets and pouches such as flexible beverage container holder(s) 440 for storing drinks in an upright orientation such as shown in FIG. 1. Flexible beverage container holder(s) permit user 180 to conveniently store beverages in flexible beverage container holder(s) 440, rather than on a flat surface such as a ground surface where the beverage might get knocked around or topple over and spilled.

Kit 450 may include cushion-plate 430; and receptacle bag assembly 102, wherein cushion-plate 430 is securable in place over chair seat 190 to provide additional comfort to user 180 when seated. Portable storage bag system 100 may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized colors/designs, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a flowchart 550 illustrating a method of using (method of use 500) portable storage bag system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4.

A method of using (enabling method of use 500) portable storage bag system 100 preferably comprises the steps of: step one 501 removably-installing receptacle bag assembly 102 to chair seat 190, wherein chair seat 190 is publicly used; step two 502 arranging first receptacle 110 and second receptacle 130 in a preferred orientation for storing at least one object remote from a floor surface; step three 503 inserting the object; step four 504 storing the object such that it is able to be accessed during a seated period; and step five 505 removing receptacle bag assembly 102 from chair seat 190 and using receptacle bag assembly 102 to transport the object to another location.

It should be noted that step 505 is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method 500 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 5 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method 500.

It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 

1. A portable storage bag system comprising: a receptacle bag assembly having; a first receptacle having; a first outer wall; a first inner wall; a first right sidewall; a first left sidewall; a first bottom wall; and a first inner volume; a second receptacle having; a second outer wall; a second inner wall; a second right sidewall; a second left sidewall; a second bottom wall; and a second inner volume; and at least one adjustable securing band; wherein said a first inner volume of said first receptacle is defined by said first outer wall; said first inner wall; said first right sidewall; said first left sidewall; and said first bottom wall; wherein said second inner volume of said second receptacle is defined by said second outer wall; said second inner wall; said second right sidewall; said second left sidewall; and said second bottom wall; wherein said first inner wall is rotatable to said second inner wall via an axis located along a shared edge; wherein said at least one adjustable securing band is removably attachable about a chair seat to secure said receptacle bag assembly to said chair seat; and wherein said receptacle bag assembly provides a storer for storing at least one item under said chair seat.
 2. The portable storage bag system of claim 1 wherein said storage bag assembly comprises reinforced canvas material.
 3. The portable storage bag system of claim 2 wherein said storage bag assembly comprises exactly two said adjustable securing bands, each of said adjustable securing bands having an adjustable strap fastener.
 4. The portable storage bag system of claim 3 wherein said storage bag assembly comprises a backpack.
 5. The portable storage bag system of claim 3 wherein said storage bag assembly comprises a bifurcated totebag.
 6. The portable storage bag system of claim 1 further comprising flexible beverage container holders.
 7. The portable storage bag system of claim 1 further comprising a zipper located on said first receptacle to prevent said item(s) from falling out of said first receptacle when said first receptacle is positioned adjacent said chair seat substantially parallel with a floor surface.
 8. The portable storage bag system of claim 7 further comprising a lip located just before said zipper on said first receptacle to prevent said item(s) from falling out of said first receptacle.
 9. The portable storage bag system of claim 3 wherein said adjustable securing bands comprise hook and loop fasteners.
 10. The portable storage bag system of claim 1 wherein said first receptacle is removable from said second receptacle.
 11. The portable storage bag system of claim 1 wherein said chair seat is on a public transportation seat.
 12. The portable storage bag system of claim 1 wherein said chair seat is on a movie-theater seat.
 13. The portable storage bag system of claim 1 wherein said chair seat is on a stadium seat.
 14. The portable storage bag system of claim 1 wherein said first receptacle and said second receptacle of said receptacle bag assembly when arranged such that said first inner wall and said second inner wall are adjacent comprise a stacked horizontal compartment assembly.
 15. The portable storage bag system of claim 14 wherein said first inner wall and said second inner wall in combination comprise a horizontal shelf.
 16. The portable storage bag system of claim 7 wherein said first receptacle and said second receptacle of said receptacle bag assembly when arranged perpendicularly such that said first outer wall of said first receptacle and a bottom of said chair seat are located adjacent and said second bottom wall of said second receptacle is located adjacent said floor surface provide that said second receptacle is a vertical holder and said first receptacle is a horizontal holder.
 17. A portable storage bag system comprising: a receptacle bag assembly including; a first receptacle having; a first outer wall; a first inner wall; a first right sidewall; a first left sidewall; a first bottom wall; and a first inner volume; a second receptacle including; a second outer wall; a second inner wall; a second right sidewall; a second left sidewall; a second bottom wall; and a second inner volume two adjustable securing bands with adjustable strap fasteners; and flexible beverage container holder(s); a zipper located on said first receptacle to prevent item(s) from falling out of said first receptacle when said first receptacle is positioned adjacent said chair seat substantially parallel with a floor surface; and a lip located just before said zipper on said first receptacle to prevent said item(s) from falling out of said first receptacle; wherein said chair seat is on a public transportation seat; wherein said a first inner volume of said first receptacle is defined by said first outer wall; said first inner wall; said first right sidewall; said first left sidewall; and said first bottom wall; wherein said second inner volume of said second receptacle is defined by said second outer wall; said second inner wall; said second right sidewall; said second left sidewall; and said second bottom wall; wherein said first inner wall is rotatable to said second inner wall via an axis located along a shared edge; wherein said storage bag assembly comprises a bifurcated totebag; wherein said adjustable securing bands comprise hook and loop fasteners; wherein said first receptacle is removable from said second receptacle; wherein said first receptacle and said second receptacle of said receptacle bag assembly when arranged perpendicularly such that said first outer wall of said first receptacle and a bottom of said chair seat are located adjacent and said second bottom wall of said second receptacle is located adjacent said floor surface provide that said second receptacle is a vertical holder and said first receptacle is a horizontal holder; wherein said storage bag assembly comprises reinforced canvas material; wherein said at least one adjustable securing band is removably attachable about said chair seat to secure said receptacle bag assembly to said chair seat; and wherein said receptacle bag assembly provides a storer for storing at least one item under said chair seat.
 18. The portable storage bag system of claim 17 further comprising a kit including a cushion-plate; and said receptacle bag assembly, wherein said cushion-plate is securable in place over said chair seat to provide additional comfort to a user when seated.
 19. A method of using a portable storage bag system comprising the steps of: removably-installing a receptacle bag assembly to a chair seat, wherein said chair seat is publicly used; arranging a first receptacle and a second receptacle in a preferred orientation for storing at least one object remote from a floor surface; inserting said at least one object; and storing said at least one object such that it is able to be accessed during a seated period.
 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising the step of removing said receptacle bag assembly from said chair seat and using said receptacle bag assembly to transport said at least one object to another location. 